PERSPECTIVES: THE NATURAL AND CONSTRUCTED WORLDS

ORAL TRADITION: LEGENDS

AFTER LISTENING AND VIEWING:

Native literature, like any other literature, is based on mythologies which shape its underlying beliefs. Myths and legends are the histories of early humanity created by people who were naturally creative. Legends were created in an attempt to undertand and explain their surroundings. These stories are deeply imbedded in the memory of a people; they clarify and identify cultural patterns.

Native mythology is unique in North America in that it not only dates back to ancient time, but it is still developed and transmitted orally today wherever oral story telling is a way of life. Myths arise out of dreams and visions, a practice common in all North American Native societies in traditional times and today. These myths are sacred, spiritual expressions treated with utmost respect.

The influence of Christianity has been widespread among Metis and Native people, and often the Christian and traditional beliefs have combined to create a new kind of story. Aboriginal parents and grandparents have transmitted these myths and legends from generation to generation with little interuption. There are, however, some Metis and Native people who have no knowledge of their mythology, especially those who have lost their languages. Fortunately, many myths and legends have been recorded in writing and most communities still have people who can tell the old stories.

Read the legend "The Creation Myth of the Hurons and the Iroquois" on the next page.

Compare and contast this First Nations legend of Creation with the biblical story of Creation (first 5 chapters). Include at least four similarities and four differences:

What do these stories show about the similarities and differences of the two cultures?? Include at least 2 points for each.

What moral is taught by each of the stories of Creation?

To submit your responses to these questions, please go to the "Homework" section of this module.

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